Are Huskies better in pairs? If you are a Siberian Husky owner like me, odds are you’ve asked yourself, “Should I get another Husky?” at least once. Sometimes it seems like a great idea and other times… well, not so much. I dug in and it turns out that Siberian Husky temperament plays a large part in the answer.
So, are Huskies better in pairs? Huskies are “pack dogs”, which means they are indigenous to a community group rather than alone. Considering this fact, when you aren’t able to be there, Huskies are definitely better in pairs. Alone, they are extremely susceptible to separation anxiety.
Before bringing to Huskies into your home, you should make some considerations. For instance, Huskies can do well when paired with other dog breeds. The sex of the dogs can sometimes play a role in partnership and behavior as well.
Do Huskies Need Another Dog?
We must consider whether our Husky needs a partner or playmate.
The truth is, our desire to have another dog is often a “want” instead of a “need”. This desire can trump rationale, or what’s best for both dogs.
If you’re considering a second dog for any reason, let it be because you see the need for it in your own Husky. Anything else could cause complications.
Here are a few reasons NOT to get that second Husky:
- “I want a dog that can be all mine.” If you think that any dog can live in a family unit and only interact with you, you are mistaken. Isolating them to force this fact is only cruel to the dog and really shouldn’t be attempted.
- “If I don’t adopt him, he’s going to be put down!” While this seems like a noble act, it can actually be hurtful to your current Husky. This can especially be the case if you don’t know the temperament of the other dog. It’s not fair for your dog to be subjected to the possibility of mistreatment by another dog in his own home.
- “I really need a break.” Huskies can be a real commitment to your time, that’s for sure! And they can play well together too. However, bringing another Husky into your environment isn’t going to give you a break. Interactions with one another are never going to replace your own involvement.
Are Boy or Girl Huskies Better?
When I was growing up, my dad always said: “Girl dogs are smarter than boy dogs.” If he ever had a choice, he’d always choose a female over a male, every time.
When it comes to Huskies, though, some people say males are a lot more easy-going than females.
From personal experience?
If my own female Husky got any more laid back…I’d wonder if she had died!
It all comes down to the fact that some dogs have different personalities than others do. According to the website Naughty Husky, male Huskies are more attached to their “pack”.
Females, while still pack-oriented, don’t seem to have that same attachment. Males are more intent on being in the same room as often as is possible.
The website also talks about how much easier females are to house train. They also mature faster, and they do not exhibit the same dominance as males.
That little “dominant” trait can sure make it hard to train your boy, though!
Male Huskies can be territorial.
That can make them pretty hateful in certain situations, whether you’re in training mode or not. It’s actually the same trait that makes them want to pee on everything they come in contact with outside, whether it’s a telephone pole or a car tire.
Naughty Husky also describes female huskies as faster learners. This translates into their being easier to train as well (which could be why my Dad preferred female dogs).
Since there are no instincts at play that can make the females hope for Alpha Male dominance, they’re a lot more submissive too.
If it’s affection you’re looking for, the standard seems to be that males will offer more of that.
My girl, Layla is more cat-like, offering affection on her schedule and on her own terms. She’ll even jerk her head away if she’s not feeling particularly “loving”!
Those with boy Huskies, on the other hand, say their fur babies hunt them down for hugs, kisses, and playtime, whether it’s convenient or not. The truth is, there are always those that sort of break the mold. Make sure you get to know the dog you’re looking to add to your family.
That’s the only real way of knowing.
Finally, there are more medical costs associated with female Huskies (on average). That can be an important fact to keep in mind when making your decision.
Do Huskies Like to be Alone?
Huskies are naturally drawn to the pack.
If there are no other dogs in the home they will gladly accept human companionship instead. When left all alone, you can almost expect to come home to some form of destruction or complaints from the neighbors.
Yes, even if you spoil them with the best Husky toys out there.
Here are a few behaviors you might see after leaving your Husky alone for a long time.
- Chewing
- Digging
- Escaping
- Potty accidents
- Outrageous howling
- Incessant barking
- Throwing tantrums
These behaviors can be labeled as symptoms of separation anxiety in many dogs. But, since Huskies prefer the pack setting, it’s almost expected behavior when they are left alone.
Not long after our family adopted Layla, we had some appointments to attend to that forced us to leave her at home. When we returned home, she met us at the door, ears back, body trembling. She wasn’t her upbeat self at all!
Concerned, I walked towards my office. There, I found the floor completely covered in feathers, at least 3-4 inches thick! As it turns out, she had dragged my husband’s feather pillow off our bed and completely annihilated it. I had no idea a feather pillow had THAT many feathers in it!
Suffice it to say, Huskies can vent their frustration at being left alone in a variety of ways, and none of them make for a very happy homeowner. The good news is, there are some ways to get around it.
One of the first things most dog parents consider is getting another dog.
This can work fine, and the second the dog doesn’t necessarily have to be another Husky. Other dogs blend in well with Huskies.
Sometimes the best addition to the family, instead of a new puppy, is a shelter dog. Make sure you know their demeanor before leaving them alone with your husky, though!
What Dog Breeds are Good With Huskies?
Fast forward about six months past the feather pillow incident. We found ourselves taking in a retired show dog named Peanut.
She is a Silky Terrier, and she’s the same age as Layla. We jokingly say she’s all of four-inches tall in reality, but ten feet tall in her mind!
When first introduced, Peanut and Layla barked and growled at each other, but never made contact.
They fussed all that day and most of the next day. In the year since they’ve become best friends and nearly inseparable.
On a side note, Layla’s separation anxiety is a thing of the past.
Considering this, I can say with 100% assurance, size is no factor in determining the type of dogs that are good with Huskies.
Personality, however, plays a huge factor in any dog combination.
One forum contributor on the It’s A Husky Thing website noted that her Husky seemed to seek out Boxers or other dogs about the same size for interaction.
Another consideration is Husky lifespan and age. Senior dogs generally don’t tolerate puppies. Each dog is different, but 2 common (negative) ways old dogs handle new ones are:
- Becoming territorial with the new dog
- Hiding from the new dog (this is almost worse, because it means he’s hiding from you too)
Another forum, Husky Owners, lean towards German Shepherds as a great Husky companion.
They do note that if you are looking for a dog with good recall, hoping your Husky will follow suit, it doesn’t always work out.
Other dogs noted in the discussion are Whippets, Staffies, Dalmatians, Border Collies, and Labradors.
When choosing a new dog to add to your family, it’s very important that you research the breed. However, it’s far more important to get to know the dog personally and, if at all possible, introduce the two a few times before making your decision.
Dogs are by no means “throw-away” animals, and you don’t want to get stuck with two fur babies that don’t care a bit for each other.
Related Questions
Both males and females seem to fight more with each other than a pair of opposite-sex Huskies. The truth is temperament and energy levels play a much bigger part in whether the dogs fight or get along.
Largely due to their pack instincts, many husky owners agree: having two huskies is better than having one. They tend to play well together, in spite of age differences. They seem to greatly enjoy one another’s company, and they can tire each other out.
No. Huskies and cats are never a good idea because Siberian Huskies have a high prey drive.
